Is Superman Un-American?

Never looked at or thought of Superman as a US Citizen... more a citizen of Earth.

Wanting to represent humanity and not just one country does not make him Un-American! It makes him more human than the rest of the Earth population put together!

Isn't Superman a citizen of where ever the hell the Fortress of Solitude is? I don't care if he is an American citizen or not, I really don't. Now, maybe he can stop finding excuses and start doing some major things with his powers to make the planet just a little bit better for those who have it very very bad. I doubt there will be a story of Supes going around and ending world hunger, droughts, environmental problems and human rights violations. His American citizenship and its renouncement is about as real as his commitment to actually saving the world for what really ails it and not what beastie of the month is threatening the world (again).

I fight for Latveria!!!

I greatly believe that this is a progressive move for DC, and I am speaking as a PURE centrist (I'm not a mule, a pachyderm, or a teapot).  So to the lot of you lefties, righties and sort-of-righties who are blowing this thing out of proportion:

SHUT. UP.

Or Godzilla will stomp all over you.

Nothing, not even the Man of Steel, can stop Godzilla.

I hate petty conflict in conversation, and this qualifies.

Capice??!???!?!??

who gives, he is better than 99% out of everyone on earth  the man could be the second coming if he wanted to 

@Darkmount, political parties aside....clearly this is a political statement to a degree and Superman is NOT about political bs...period.
That's why some people are annoyed with it, and yes Superman would kill Godzilla rather easily for your info...lol if he can kill Doomsday, he can kill Godzilla...just a giant lizard that breaths fire...owee lmao

@MKF30:
Well ya dc will get a boost of sales at 1st just like the death of superman which for many who understand the characters basic traits this feels as if its the same thing.But superman hasnt been a top ten saleing comic book in a long while.

One superman fan site i went to only two people had a problem with it.An they were mocked pretty badly for old fashoned ideals.Theirs nothing wrong with havieng ideals.But its been said by many it feels as if dc is rudderles again.

But if what was said about brightest day ending was true.. its rudder is stuck left it apears.Again i stand by my statment dc warner brothers does not deserve the characters ot has. Be it Captian marvel or Superman.

By the way that cover i posted was just from 25th of november of 2010 .An now their will be a small patriotic wave dc surely will not have superman ridieng to more sales.Could not have picked worse timeing if they tried.

all i can say is leave him alone and i am canadien 

This is stupid. Core United States values aren't embodied in citizenship. Indeed, some of the most patriotic people aren't even US citizens, as demonstrated by the illegal immigrants who helped with the search and rescue at Ground Zero.

Didn't read any of the other posts except the first sentence of Dro's and that was my thought too. This is stupid. So what if he is Un-American. The news said Bin Laden's.......murder (that's what it was), was one of the greatest even'ts in our history. Does that really sound like Superman to anyone? Superman is beyond global. America doesn't own him. 

" @Shieldbearer said:

" Superman has lost his roots. "

Or rather the ridiculous writers who are now writing him.... I will always love Superman himself, but the writers who write him is a different story...

Vintage Superman would never agree to this, I think we can all agree to that(the REAL superman fans, not the "politically correct" comic fans)

"

" @MKF30 said:

" @Shieldbearer said:

" Superman has lost his roots. "

Or rather the ridiculous writers who are now writing him.... I will always love Superman himself, but the writers who write him is a different story...

Vintage Superman would never agree to this, I think we can all agree to that(the REAL superman fans, not the "politically correct" comic fans)

"

Dude, calm down, seriously.I'll never understand how some people from USA are ridiculously absorbed by their nationality, as if it meant anything other more than your citizenship status. "

"Maybe I'm over-analyzing a simple story of defiance and hope for fellow man "

PEOPLE, ARE YOU CRAZY?! FORGET POLITICS WHEN YOU READ COMICS, HUH? THIS is NOT the thing you should be worried about! This only shows how understanding and really smart Superman is! Finally he understood what had to be understood! You see, this "american way" is pretty debatable stuff as I don't really see that there are many people (not only american people, of course) nowadays who prove that this spirit of Truth and Justice is still here. Captain America may stay blind for now, but Superman finally understood that he cannot fight for mostly fake ideals (and, believe me, I don't like to write it more than you don't like to read it) and that HE should be the one who should expand this way of Truth and Justice worldwide, as he IS the man who CAN and DESERVE to do it. He can be trusted. "The American Way" isn't here anymore, as any-other-county-spirit, too, but Truth & Justice still live in the heart of Kal-El. And he is going to share it.

People! No politics were involved! Superman, the king of American culture back in the 30s-70s just got pissed when he knew culture dictators Rebecca Black, Justin Bieber, and Stephanie Meyer were all Americans! He can't accept it! And he petitioned the authorities to renounce the citizenship of the three, when they refused, he simply renounced his own. It's as simple as that!

Dude, calm down, seriously.I'll never understand how some people from USA are ridiculously absorbed by their nationality, as if it meant anything other more than your citizenship status. "

" @Feliciano2040 said:

Dude, calm down, seriously.I'll never understand how some people from USA are ridiculously absorbed by their nationality, as if it meant anything other more than your citizenship status. "

 It means a HECK of a lot more than just citizenship status. I'm not saying that the USA is the only country that matters or anything, but it was a country founded on principles, not on geography. Those of us Americans who consider ourselves patriots do it because we care about what our country stands for. And if we don't care about our principles, what's the point of anything, really?I mean no malice in this, just trying to explain. "

http://screenrant.com/superman-renounces-american-citizenship-benm-113080/

Best write up i think that proves it was not only a week story but also points out the pic in the article in this thread is in that same issue.. you know with superman progression thru out the years .With him ending holding not a U.N. flag but old glory.

An the writer points out hes a lefty to.So before one goes off its a right wing deal ummm not so much.It was just a poor week story as he points out probly wrote in 2009 .An odds are will never be referanced in the canon of superman.

Tho imho it bodes doom for the movie an i like goyer movies mostly. Maybe he can make a comeback.

" Superman finally understood that he cannot fight for mostly fake ideals"

This writing is useless and clumsy.

He's Superman, he can do whatever he want !!! American or not.

The people that rant about that clumsy move are probably the same that bitching about the birth certificate of the U.S. President. I mean...they could attack the author, but no, they attack the character.

And to be perfectly clear : it's a part of America that I don't like at all : this current of tought that say : "If you're not living, thinking like us, you are a worthless piece of trash."

Thank god, it's not so common thinking. 

When I read that story I really didn't think it would cause that big a thing.  Honestly when I read it I didn't even think that it was canon it was just a clever little story that someone decided to write for the the special issue to fill the extra page count.  

" he would be way cooler as an Australian!......................................................................................................... "

Superman is not  even american but i guess he loves USA. So he's not un-american.

If Superman stops being an Americian Citizen does that mean he could be deported for being an illegal alien? (pardon the pun)

Also does it really matter if he is an Americian Citizen or not, he's still Superman and he will stil do what is right.

 I think this move on the part of Superman is WAY overdue. If you go back to the original Superman stories of the 1930s, the Man of Steel was NEVER intended to be some kind of  nationalistic icon (a la Captain America who to his credit has repeatedly stated that he represents the ideals of America and NOT necessarily the policies of current US Administrations; how many times have he and his fellow Avengers saved not just the US or even Earth but the whole UNIVERSE from Thanos or Galactus or some other intergalactic foe?). I'm curious-will Superman after renouncing his US citizenship resign from the ranks of the "Justice League of America"( a title whose nationalistic overtones are all the more dated in the world of 2011). Will he hunt down indicted genocidal dictators and war criminals such Omar al-Bashir of Sudan( and Muammar al Gaddafi whose indictment by the ICC seems fairly likely)? The plotlines are endless!

Terry

Ok,.. Patriotism doesn't really apply to someone WHO HAS THE POTENTIAL to be like the guardian of a PLANET, (although superheroes are given their own CITIES, and don't seem to get outside that much? let's only serve the rich capitalists?) and Superman is also KRYPTONIAN and therefore influenced by that culture, and in the original movie he's given a time period,...3 years or something? where he learns kryptonian culture (or possibly spent time with the Legion, whichever, WHO IN TURN were associated with a United Planets) making him somehow INDEPENDENT of culture/race/faction/party. 

"

I am 100% against this.   I think the Editors and Writers of the DC Universe are pushing their agenda onto us. I am not sure why they are choosing to distance themselves from America or why they are choosing to utilize Superman a Well Known Patriotic character for this.   Superman has always supported the United States Country and was always proud to be an American.   How many photos have there been with him holding the American Flag or an Eagle or other form of American Symbol?   I understand that Superman may want to help the entire world.   I am for that.   If he wants to be made available to all those in need. That is a good thing and by all means go for it.   However, why does his status as an American effect this?   Why can he not be a World Hero and a American?   Furthermore, if he does not wish to be an American anymore.   Why must he make a big spectacle about it.   Why must he call a conference with the United Nations to publicly renounce his U. S. Citizenship?   I find it to be an offensive gesture.   A crudely offensive gesture.   One that is really unnecessary.   I also raise the question will Clark Kent retain his U. S. citizenship?   If so, well that's pretty damn hypocritical. America needs heroes and she needs symbols now more than ever.   For Superman to come out and publicly denounce his citizenship is a low blow.   One that I never could have ever fathomed him taking. I wonder what Ma Kent has to say about this.   After all, a young Clark Kent/ Superman was raised with the American Ideals and fundamentals as his foundation. Truth, Justice and the American Way.  

Outside the story.   I think the writer's and editor's of DC Comics are doing two things.   I think they are possibly trying to appeal to a foreign market.   I also think they are following the trend of being Anti-American.   I think they are fusing the two together.   I hate the direction the politicians are driving this country in.   I really do.   The American System of Government is great system. Democracy is a beautiful thing.   The politicians and Government officials have taken this beautiful system and twisted it and turned into a very dimly lit shadow of its former stuff.   I still believe in my country. I still believe America can and one day will reclaim the ideals of Morality and Freedom and Liberty and Justice for all.   With every person that turns their back on this country... on America they turn their back on the ideals our Forefather's held dear.    Not the Government.   I believe our Government has lost its way.   The system works, but the men and women charged with facilitating the system have led it astray and people are confusing the actions of the Government for America and everything she represents. DC Comics is obviously jumping on that same bandwagon.   The gesture of having Superman Renounce his American Citizenship may be because of the Government's Current Actions and not against America herself.   Or maybe they don't like the American Way of Life anymore?   Maybe they are a part of the same source that is tearing our Government to shreds from the inside out.   Regardless of their intentions or beliefs.   The gesture alone of Superman renouncing his America Citizenship because "Truth, Justice and the American Way isn't enough anymore" is at the very core a representation of them turning their back on America and what she stands for.    That is the message received by me and apparently lots of others.   It’s a very sad day.    

 

I do not wish DC Comics to back track. I believe in freedom of speech. If this is the direction they choose to go.  If this is what they believe to be right then so be it.  I will commend them for taking a stand for their beliefs.  However, I feel I must as well and as a result I no longer wish to read DC Comics. 

"

It means a HECK of a lot more than just citizenship status. I'm not saying that the USA is the only country that matters or anything, but it was a country founded on principles, not on geography. Those of us Americans who consider ourselves patriots do it because we care about what our country stands for. And if we don't care about our principles, what's the point of anything, really?I mean no malice in this, just trying to explain. "

Does it really change anything? Superman will keep on saving people and protecting the planet like he was doing so far. Btw was Superman even an American citizen (not talking about Clark Kent)?

 It means a HECK of a lot more than just citizenship status. I'm not saying that the USA is the only country that matters or anything, but it was a country founded on principles, not on geography. Those of us Americans who consider ourselves patriots do it because we care about what our country stands for. And if we don't care about our principles, what's the point of anything, really?I mean no malice in this, just trying to explain. "

" @-Vigil- said: 

 It means a HECK of a lot more than just citizenship status. I'm not saying that the USA is the only country that matters or anything, but it was a country founded on principles, not on geography. Those of us Americans who consider ourselves patriots do it because we care about what our country stands for. And if we don't care about our principles, what's the point of anything, really?I mean no malice in this, just trying to explain. "

WHAT PRINCIPLES!?! This country was founded by European slave owners that wanted to be free lol!  "

" Superman isn't un-american "

Well, he's an alien.

And also he doesn't exist, not just "in real life", but Supes' just the idea of a superhero Clark Kent as. Clark or Kal-el exist (in-comics). Supes just a fictional act (in the fiction) created by this little kansas farm boy, who's actually from outter space.

This is a non-story that will have effect the comic in no way. He will still stand for Truth and Justice which is the way he started as. People are acting like as if he is refusing to acknowledge America or saying America sucks.

Oh man should i even get into this......

Let me say as a non-american i truly love america, it's a beautiful country which i visit a lot, either for work or vacation. I love (most) american people (except usa border officers), they are always in for a chat even if you are a complete stranger, they will always greet you when you meet someone in an elevator or such. (although sometimes it feels a little fake)  Always willing to help if you are looking for directions even without asking for it.

Still i do feel that americans have their flag up their @$$, a lot of americans do feel that America is the greatest country in the world and they are not shy about telling you, be it on tv, radio or whatever other medium.
Always proud to be an American,but why just because you just happen to be born there?

In what way is america the best country in the world? Certainly not in poverty rates, i believe 3 out of 10 americans live in poverty. Certainly not on environmental issues, did you know that american cars can not be sold in China because China has stricter environmental rules?
And there are other examples too, gay marriage for example, or their foreign policies.

Even the American constition is not entirely american, a lot of the constitution is based on the dutch and english way of thinking in that time. Since these countries ruled the american east coast before it became independant.

I remember when i was little my grandfather would tell me stories about america and how they saved us in WW2. He really had high regards towards america and its people, they where truly heroes back then, and i realise i would have been speaking german now if america wouldn't have come in and liberated us back in 1945.
But looking back at the last couple of years of foreign policy and can't help but think the america my grandfather told me about is long gone.

Now i'm not saying that where i live everything is great, far from it, i can tell you a lot of my dislikes for my own country, but at least we are not saying we are the greatest every chance we get.

As long as I remember Superman is American since his Kryptonian Matrix in which he traveled opened on American ground. He can renounce his U.S. Citizenship in the same way anyone can get another nationality. He just doesn't want to be tagged as an American or as being form any other country. He just wants the people to see him as "Superman", not "that American hero", or "European hero", or whatever. The problem should be the people that think he is Un-American for doing it, instead of doing it for the whole human race.

" As long as I remember Superman is American since his Kryptonian Matrix in which he traveled opened on American ground.

"Superman has regularly aided the planet Earth, rendering the "America way" motto altogether nationalistically dated.  Truth and Justice is not a segregated American belief, it's a universal concept applicable to all of humanity. Superman may be an American-born creation from a different and more patriotically blinding decade, but he's never been authentic American. He himself is foreign.  He universally helps people, ignoring the arbitrary things like race, ethnicity, and nationality...so un-American? Pssh! What could be more American than wanting to help those in need with collective acceptance? Many contemporary Americas may have forgotten that moral in their jingoistic arrogance, but that is the authentic American ideal. Despite the founding fathers hypocrisy and crimes and despite how corrupt the system my have become, those were the principles America was founded upon. If anything, Superman is now truer to the original American model. I don't understand the issue people have with this.  "

"

Sick of this debate as well but because of one major point that nobody on the "this is a bad call" side seems to answer

.

.

.

.

WHEN DID SUPERMAN EVEN BECOME AN AMERICAN CITIZEN?????

 

I mean, I know Clark Kent is an American citizen but since when has Superman been one. He's definitely worked with the government (and sometimes against it) in the past and been shown to be on friendly terms with the President but I don't think there has ever been a storyline in which Superman was actually granted citizenship. So if he was never a citizen to begin with how can he renounce it. He could modify the "Truth, Justice and the American Way" slogan to just "Truth and Justice" but can he even renounce something he isn't?

"

both have very good points

Here's what I say, as a red blooded american I believe whole heartedly that Superman is NOT america's hero, he's Earth's plain and simple. When Jor-El and Lara sent their only child to the planet they sent him there to not only protect him from Krypton's immanent destruction but also to be the light we need. "They can be a great people Kal-El they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way." Jor-El wasn't talking about American's he was talking about the people of earth as a whole. For those of you that argue that he is strictly America's hero then why did he not just stop every war in the blink of an eye as we know he very well could have. Character's like Wolverine and Captain America (The true american hero) have fought in war over and over again but Superman does not take a side.

By the way, does anyone else find it funny that once Superman renounces his citizenship the U.S. catches and kills Bin Laden. Yea, me too. 

"Truth, justice, and the universal way?"

 That was retconned by Birthright, which was later retconned by Superman: Secret Origin.

What disturbs me is how many people are applauding (or condemning) the RESULT without caring about the actual STORY or EXECUTION.

Result-oriented writing is universally at fault for some of the worst executed storylines in comics.

"We HAVE to break up Peter and MJ... uh, the devil did it!"
"I want Superman to walk across America... okay a woman slaps him and Superman freaks out!"
"I want these characters back... uh, Superboy punched reality real hard."
"I want Digger back... uh, a nigh omnipotent Entity really needs a boomerang."
etc.

Even if this is a desired result, the story should hardly be applauded considering its horrible execution.  Superman doesn't talk about global citizenship or larger ideals or unity, he talks about fears and cynicism- why snipers are trained on him, why the media is construing him, why no one understands his intentions (I wonder why when he didn't SAY anything WHILE acting)- and basically condemns humanity as being unable to separate independent action from citizenship... because we're too stupid to know the difference he needs to make an announcement which he thinks (irrationally) will stop the misconstruction of his actions.  THIS IS WHAT IS ACTUALLYIN THE STORY.  Is is NOT a story of Superman saying any of the lofty ideals that might have better supported global citizenship.  But just because the result is desirable people write apologetics or just because the result is undesirable people give a poorly written story more credence, attention, and significance than it deserves.

I honestly think Superman did the right thing as even though he is patroitic but after the  events and what his symbol of hope stands for it crosses much larger than just one country and even one world. His legacy is even acknowledged though out time and space. For him to be just on one country is small thinking and I am glad that they are taking him in the direction like this.

I don't think it matters because I don't understand how Superman could be an American citizen anyway unless the President gave him citizenship at sometime in the past.  Now, even if that did happen, Clark Kent is still an American citizen so whatever citizenship (or lack there of) Superman wishes to have is immaterial.  Perhaps this should be a trend and Green Lantern, whose responsibility is to a whole sector of space will give up his national citizenship, too.  Would that mean that Hal Jordan or John Stewart should follow that example?  If anything, this highlights the problem with vigilantism.  If superheroes choose to interpret right and wrong according to their ethics then those beliefs may not always coincide with the law or with a particular national policy.